Home/JA4APUAU3MU004321
VIN REPORT

JA4APUAU3MU0043212021 MITSUBISHI Outlander Sport

Risk Score
3
LOW RISK
out of 100
1 Found
1 campaign
17
Reported to NHTSA
Not Tested
See iihs.org/ratings
5 yrs
Made in JAPAN
C+
Score: 78/100
Verdict & Risk Assessment
📄

Executive Summary

2021 MITSUBISHI Outlander Sport was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There is 1 open recall on record — verify these have been repaired before purchase. 17 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.

  • 1 open recall — verify these have been repaired before purchase
  • Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
3/100
Low Risk
Low risk profile — minor signals only, likely routine.
LOWMODERATEHIGHCRITICAL
Contributing Risk Factors — 1 detected
1 model-wide recall on record
+3
Critical Alerts

No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.

Vehicle
Make
MITSUBISHI
Model
Outlander Sport
Year
2021
Trim / Series
Wagon body style
Body Style
Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Vehicle Type
MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Drive Type
4x2
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Engine
4-cyl 2L 148 hp
Doors
5
Manufacturer
MITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION (MMC)
Assembly
KURASHIKI CITY, OKAYAMA PREFECTURE, JAPAN
GVWR
Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)
Base MSRP
$20,995
CQuality55/100
Standard📍 KURASHIKI CITY, OKAYAMA PREFECTURE

No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.

Safety
C+
Score: 78/100
Crash Test Rating20/40
Recall Safety28/30
Complaint History30/30
5/100Low

✓ No high-risk recall components found

42/100
Moderate
8 of 20 safety features detected
Missing: Automatic Emergency Braking

The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.

Engine/Powertrain
1 recall4 complaints
Forward Collision WarningStandard
Automatic Emergency Braking?Unknown
Pedestrian AEBStandard
Rear AEB?Unknown
Lane Departure WarningStandard
Lane Keep Assist?Unknown
Lane Centering Assist?Unknown
Blind Spot Monitoring?Unknown
Rear Cross Traffic Alert?Unknown
Adaptive Cruise Control?Unknown
Adaptive Headlights?Unknown
Auto High BeamStandard
Parking Assist?Unknown
Backup CameraStandard
Electronic Stability ControlStandard
Tire Pressure Monitoring?Direct
Event Data Recorder?Unknown
Crash Notification?Unknown
Dynamic Brake SupportStandard
Keyless Ignition?Unknown
Recalls
33/100
Monitor Deferred Risk
4 component(s) approaching service intervals within the next 20,000 miles. Factor routine maintenance costs into your ownership budget.
No odometer data on record. Mileage is estimated at ~60,000 mi based on average annual driving. Items marked EST. OVERDUE may already be due — verify service history with the seller. Items marked OVERDUE are confirmed past-due based on vehicle age alone.
MONITORCriticalWater Pump
Service interval: 100,000 mi · Est. ~60,000 mi (no odometer on record)
Schedule Water Pump service before 100,000 mi
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
EST. OVERDUEHighTransmission Fluid / Service
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 5 yr · Past due by age
Service Transmission Fluid / Service immediately — already past the 60,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
EST. OVERDUEHighCoolant Flush
Service interval: 5 yr · Vehicle age: 5 yr · Past due by age
Service Coolant Flush immediately — already past the 100,000 mi / 5 yr interval
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
MONITORModerateSpark Plugs (iridium/platinum)
Service interval: 100,000 mi · Est. ~60,000 mi (no odometer on record)
Schedule Spark Plugs (iridium/platinum) service before 100,000 mi
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
11 RECALL

NHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 1 recall below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Estimated Repair Completion (Statistical)

Average repair completion across 1 recall is ~64%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.

64%
avg repaired

Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.

MITSUBISHI Recall Completion Rate — Industry Context
80%Poor

MITSUBISHI has a below-average recall completion rate (80%). Open recalls on this vehicle may go unaddressed longer than average (~24 months). Verify completion before purchase.

Avg time to remedy open recall: ~24 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports

Avg Fix Time
24mo
#22V563000
Feb 2022

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE

SummaryMitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with continuously variable transmissions and mechanical key ignition systems. A software error in the transmission control unit (CVT-ECU) may incorrectly reduce the transmission gear ratio at high speeds, which can result in an engine stall.
Read full details...
ConsequenceAn engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Est. Repair Completion~64%

~36% chance this recall was never fixed

Moderate Risk

Source: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
4.2yr open
4 yrs ago
02/08/2022
Engine/Powertrain
0
Part Replacements
1
Software/OTA Updates
0
Buyback/Refund
0
High-Effort Repairs
1 recall is over 2 years old — statistically less likely to have been completed. Verify repair status with any dealer using your VIN.
RECALL DIDN'T FIX IT

100% of complaints about "POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE" were filed AFTER recall campaign 22V563000 (2022-02-08) — the recall remedy may not have fully resolved the issue.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
100% post-recall
Recall: 2022-02-080 before · 4 after#22V563000

Continuing complaints after a recall may indicate an inadequate fix, a new failure mode, or that many vehicles never had the recall performed. Verify recall completion status directly with NHTSA.

Complaints
Other
6
Electrical
6
Engine/Powertrain
4
Safety Systems
1
2022
4
2023
3
2024
6
2025
2
2026
2
5% trend in recent years (improving reliability)
Stable +13%
9
Last 24 months
8
Prior 24 months
Engine stalling7
Fire/smoke2
Steering loss1
Conditions Reported
Highway/high-speed (2)Rain/wet (2)Parking/low-speed (1)
17HIGH VOLUME
ODI #11726925UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The brand new from the factory transmission that got replaced at a dealership to “fix” the initial recall stalled and went into limp mode while driving at under 50,000 miles.

ODI #11710012ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

The contact owns a 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated that the catalytic converter was stolen from the vehicle, and a new catalytic converter was installed. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with catalytic converter failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the dealer, but no assistance was provided. The failure persisted. The contact recently received an Extended Warranty for the infotainment touch screens due to common software and connectivity failures. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000.

ODI #11698038VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE

I was turning out of my neighborhood and as I accelerated to merge with traffic my car started jerking. My dashboard “D” symbol only started flashing on and off and then my transmission service required light came on, (just had it done 8/25 and it is 11/25) and the BSW service required light came on as well. As I continued down the street everytime I pressed on the gas pedal the car kept jerking backwards and forward.

ODI #11641459ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Driving home with no other cars around the forward collision warning goes off for no reason losing power and slowing down on it's own. This has been an ongoing situation since the car was new, I've made numerous attempts to have my local dealership look into this situation and all they tell me is to take video when it happens.

ODI #11630096BACK OVER PREVENTION

I have 40,000 miles on my vehicle, only owner and drive 28 miles to and from work a day. The entire Infotainment center is not usuable, I called the dealership I purchased it from and they said the warranty is 36,000 miles. How on a brand new car do you get 36,000 for a system that controls everything inside your car.

ODI #11606093ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Multiple and random Cylinder misfires. fixed more than three times and continuously, same issue. many issues with revving up. safety risk while driving due to stalling.

ODI #11599268ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Infotainment system failed. Touchscreen does not work incurring a major distraction when trying to change to navigation or utilize android auto.

ODI #11588728ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the Service Engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local AutoZone where it was diagnosed and determined that the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

ODI #11588792UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I had a recall on this vehicle for the CVT software update which i got fixed by mitsubishi at the dealership but now its doing the same thing and seems worse, everytime I push on the gas it does not excelerate and usually gets stuck at 30-45MPH no matter how much i press on the gas, and the rpms get stuck at 3-4 thousand rpms which causes a safety threat when we are driving. I did some research and found out that this a well known issue with mitsubishi and its outlander sports vehicles I’m not sure what to do from here.

ODI #11565879SEAT BELTS

Driver side seat belt is not locking.

ODI #11561895LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

The software system in regard to the BSW and FCM. The car tried to put itself in reverse while we were driving. Yes, the problem has been reproduced on the computer only. The vehicle is currently at the dealership being looked at now. The transmission service light came on, the FCM temporarily not available, came on, and the BSW light came on.

ODI #11535929POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the automotive power started fluctuating, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle coasted off the roadway and was shifted into park; however, several attempts were needed to restart the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle would not accelerate above 30 MPH with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle back to the residence. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure had been intermittent but gradually became a recurring failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V563000 (Power Train). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

ODI #11526076UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Since March 2023 my car has being to Bell Mitsubishi for AC problems the compressor stops working starts making noises and every time the compressor the failed the vehicle stalled. As of right now Mitsubishi does not know why this is happening I have not being provided with a loaner car or rental. today 6/8/2023 my car has being at the dealer for almost 2 weeks they claimed they put a brand new A/C system but is not working. They don't have an ETA for my car to be done. I depend on my vehicle to commute to work. I commute every day 17 miles each trip.

ODI #11488905POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

The contact owns a 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine misfired and the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was notified of the failure but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V563000 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 900.

ODI #11488453ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

I was driving approximately 35MPH on a 4-lane road with no vehicles in front of me. The car came to a hard stop. The stop was so hard that my purse flew from the passenger seat to the floor. I was wearing my seat belt which tightened up but my body still moved forward causing me neck pain. I did notice briefly that a flashing yellow light was on the dashboard. There were no objects in front of me. The driver of the car behind me had to slam on their brakes and almost hit my car. My car stayed still for about 15 seconds and then the automatic brake was released.

ODI #11483298ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

The contact owns a 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was stalling and not accelerating as needed. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for an unknown recall repair. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 22,000.

ODI #11464938ENGINE

This was in a rental from National Car Rental from the Las Vegas airport. I was driving down the road at about 65-70 MPH when the vehicle's brakes just slammed on, and everything about the car just died. There was a huge groaning sound as it happened - kind of like when you are in 'park' and push the gas pedal and it revs really high. I tried shifting into neutral, nothing changed, and all the lights and functions of the car went out. I did my best to "direct" (couldn't steer) the car to the edge of the road. It was a busy remote highway, I was in the 'fast' lane. so could move over as far as I could to the other side of the white line while basically groaning to a halt. When I stopped all of the power shut down, the car would not restart and at first the battery and "service engine now" lights came off, then everything stopped. After a bit the battery came back on so I could at least charge my phone to use it to call for assistance. I have an email from National saying it appeared to be an engine malfunction. When this happened I was on Highway 93 between Las Vegas and Kingman Arizona (right around mile marker 30). It is a split highway with a dirt median. I was on the inside of the median. Fortunately when it happened there was no one directly behind me or they would have hit me. This is the main thoroughfare between NV and northern AZ here, so it is basically semi trucks going >70 mph the whole stretch. I had to sit in the car for 2 hours waiting for the tow truck to arrive. I did not get out of the car because I was more scared of distracting a driver and veering into me, whereas sitting in the car I was just as scared, but I thought at least I had an airbag if I was crashed into. I was honestly terrified the whole time. I sent numerous emails and made numerous calls that document all of this. I have pictures and video of the situation. The car was picked up by Jone's Towing from Kingman AZ.

HighTRANSMISSION issue detected

Complete transmission failure — repair costs $3,000–$8,000+; vehicle may become undriveable

Annual complaints and reliability score for MITSUBISHI Outlander Sport — recall years marked in red
036050100202220222023202420252026Complaints/yrReliability (0–100)
Annual complaints (left axis)
Reliability score 0–100 (right axis, higher = safer)
Crash-involved complaints that year
Recall issued
Chart Analysis

The blue line shows 17 total NHTSA complaints filed over 5 years, with the worst year being 2024 (6 complaints).

The amber reliability line averaged 80/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 64/100 in 2024.

The recall (red dashed line) were issued in the same year or before complaints peaked, suggesting the manufacturer identified and acted on the defect relatively quickly.

Details & Analysis
Financial
$0
Annual Fuel
EPA estimate
$1,800
Annual Insurance
US average
$1,300
Annual Maintenance
5-yr-old vehicle avg
$882
Annual Depreciation
Current period
Estimated 5-Year Total Cost
Fuel + Insurance + Maintenance + Depreciation
$19,910

Estimates use EPA fuel economy data, AAA 2024 national averages for insurance and maintenance, and a standard depreciation curve. Actual costs vary by location, driving habits, and vehicle condition.

$31,487
~$525/mo over 5 yrs
$0.5/mi
cost per mile
Fuel
$10,000
Insurance (est.)
$7,500
Maintenance
$8,000
Repair Risk Buffer
$1,500
Depreciation
$4,487

Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $31,487 (~$525/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.

$8,000
Low
$9,500
Est. Value
$11,000
High

Based on original MSRP of $20,995 with suv depreciation curve. Range reflects ±15% market variance. Actual value depends on condition, options, and local demand.

1 open recall (unverified repair status)−$500
1 recall over 2 years old — likely uncompleted−$400
Total recommended deduction−$900
Suggested fair offer: ~$8,600
HIGH
Inspect for transmission issue detected — ask for repair records
Complete transmission failure — repair costs $3,000–$8,000+; vehicle may become undriveable
HIGH
Verify recall POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE has been repaired
Recall on record for: Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Outlander Sport vehicles equipped with conti
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Test drive and inspect: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE
Multiple owner complaints filed for this component — verify it functions correctly during test drive.
MEDIUM
Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic
For any used vehicle with a risk score above Low, a $100–$150 independent inspection is always worth it.
MEDIUM
Run a VIN check on NHTSA.gov to confirm all recalls are closed
Free at nhtsa.gov/vehicle-safety/recalls — enter the VIN and confirm all campaigns show as completed.
MEDIUM
Verify title is clean and check for salvage/rebuilt brands at your state DMV
Title washing across state lines is common — confirm with your state DMV before finalizing purchase.
5%
18-month
10%
2-year
Low Probability
Cumulative 2-year risk: 10%

5% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.

Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.

Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.

History & Auctions
Full Coverage
$1,650–$2,090/yr
~$138–$174/mo
Liability Only
$560–$710/yr
~$47–$59/mo
Category: Standard Vehicle
5-year-old vehicle: −7% (moderate depreciation)

Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.

Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.

Vehicle Identity

VINJA4APUAU3MU004321
Model Year2021
MakeMITSUBISHI
ModelOutlander Sport
SeriesWagon body style
Vehicle TypeMULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)

Body & Configuration

Body StyleSport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Doors5
Seat Rows5
Drive Type4x2
Fuel TypeGasoline

Engine

Engine Cylinders4
Displacement (L)2
Horsepower148

Manufacturer

ManufacturerMITSUBISHI MOTORS CORPORATION (MMC)
Assembly CityKURASHIKI CITY
Assembly CountryJAPAN

VIN Structure

WMI (Chars 1–3)JA4
Check Digit (Char 9)3
Model Year Code (Char 10)M
Plant Code (Char 11)U
Sequence (Chars 12–17)004321

Safety Data

NHTSA Recall Count1
NHTSA Complaint Count17
J
1
A
2
4
3
A
4
P
5
U
6
A
7
U
8
3
9
M
10
U
11
0
12
0
13
4
14
3
15
2
16
1
17
WMI (1–3)
VDS (4–8)
Check Digit (9)
Model Year (10)
Serial (11–17)
J
World Manufacturer
Country & region of manufacture
Position 1
A
Manufacturer
Specific manufacturer identifier
Position 2
4
Vehicle Type
Division or vehicle type
Position 3
APUAU
Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS)
Body style, engine type, restraint system
Position 4–8
3
Check Digit
Mathematical validation character
Position 9
M
Model Year
Year of manufacture
Position 10
U
Assembly Plant
Where the vehicle was assembled
Position 11
004321
Production Sequence
Unique serial number for this vehicle
Position 12–17
Country of Manufacture
Japan
From VIN position 1 (J)
Model Year Character
"M" → 2021
Could also be 1991
Check Digit (Pos 9)
✓ Valid
ISO 3779 weighted-sum algorithm

Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 5/7/2026, 5:27:39 PM.